Taiwan drill tests city resilience and air defense readiness

Taiwan conducted its "City Resilience Air Defense" drill on Thursday morning, simulating a response to air threats with the participation of over 800 personnel across Pingtung County. The exercise involved a comprehensive activation of traffic control and evacuation mechanisms, transforming busy urban areas into a state of air defense readiness as citizens were guided to designated shelters.

Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang San-cheng, who observed the drill, commended Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi for her stringent command and the county's effective overall disaster response capabilities. "Chou Chun-mi's leadership is rigorous, and Pingtung County's overall disaster response capabilities are very well utilized," Chang stated.

The drill, which included the establishment of third-category first-aid stations at Tali-tung Elementary School, saw various government agencies and civilian entities testing their preparedness. Chang San-cheng highlighted President Lai Ching-te's initiative for "scriptless drills," which utilize real people, locations, and scenarios to identify and address any shortcomings in preparedness. The ultimate goal, he emphasized, is to ensure "uninterrupted government services, uninterrupted public-private cooperation, and uninterrupted people's lives" during disasters.

This year's "City Resilience" exercise was integrated with the "Han Kuang 42" military drill, marking a shift from separate military and local government drills to a synchronized military-civilian operation. This integration signifies a move towards a comprehensive defense structure involving central and local governments, the armed forces, and the public. The recent amendment to the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act, which includes tsunamis and dam failures as disaster types and mandates disaster prevention chiefs in government agencies, further underscores Taiwan's commitment to enhancing its resilience.

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Chou Chun-mi's leadership is rigorous, and Pingtung County's overall disaster response capabilities are very well utilized.